Crockpot Korean Gochujang Pot Roast Tacos Recipe
Introduction
These Crockpot Korean Gochujang Pot Roast Tacos combine tender, flavorful beef with a spicy-sweet Korean twist. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal, they deliver bold flavors wrapped in your favorite taco shell. Let the crockpot do the work while you prepare delicious toppings.

Ingredients
- 1 (4 pound) chuck roast
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- Chili flakes, to taste
- 3 shallots, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped green onion
- 2–3 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1/2 cup tamari or soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ginger juice or rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 12 hard or soft taco shells, warmed
- Shredded cabbage or lettuce for serving
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
- 1/3 cup chopped roasted peanuts
- Cilantro, green onion, avocado, and crumbled cotija cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the chuck roast in the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle ground ginger and chili flakes over the meat, then add sliced shallots, chopped garlic, and green onions.
- Step 2: Add the Gochujang, tamari or soy sauce, ginger juice or rice vinegar, and maple syrup or honey on top. Pour in 3/4 cup of water, then cover and cook on LOW for 5 hours or on HIGH for 3 hours, until the meat is very tender.
- Step 3: Remove the roast from the crockpot and shred it using two forks.
- Step 4: Warm the taco shells, then stuff each with shredded cabbage or lettuce and the shredded beef.
- Step 5: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped roasted peanuts over the meat. Top with cilantro, green onion, avocado slices, and crumbled cotija cheese as desired. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For a deeper caramelized flavor, you can cook this roast in the oven instead of the crockpot by roasting covered at 325°F for 2 ½ to 3 hours, then uncover and increase heat to 425°F for 10 minutes before shredding.
- Adjust the amount of Gochujang to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Serve with a drizzle of spicy mayo for an extra creamy, tangy kick.
- Use napa cabbage or crunchy iceberg lettuce for added texture inside the tacos.
Storage
Store any leftover shredded beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it moist. Taco shells are best warmed fresh before serving but can be stored sealed at room temperature for a few days.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, a brisket or pork shoulder can be substituted, though cooking times may vary. Choose cuts that become tender with slow cooking.
What can I use if I don’t have Gochujang?
If Gochujang is unavailable, try mixing miso paste with chili garlic sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a small amount of chili paste to mimic the flavor.
Print
Crockpot Korean Gochujang Pot Roast Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes (crockpot) or 3 hours 25 minutes (oven)
- Yield: 12 tacos 1x
Description
These Crockpot Korean Gochujang Pot Roast Tacos combine tender, slow-cooked chuck roast infused with spicy and savory Korean flavors. The beef is cooked until meltingly soft, shredded, and served in warmed taco shells with crunchy cabbage, toasted sesame seeds, roasted peanuts, and fresh toppings like cilantro, avocado, and cotija cheese for a vibrant, fusion taco experience.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (4 pound) chuck roast
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- Chili flakes, to taste
- 3 shallots, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped green onion
- 2–3 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1/2 cup tamari or soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ginger juice or rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 3/4 cup water (for crockpot) or 1 1/2 cups water (for oven method)
For Serving
- 12 hard or soft taco shells, warmed
- Shredded cabbage or lettuce
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
- 1/3 cup chopped roasted peanuts
- Cilantro, for garnish
- Additional chopped green onion, for garnish
- Avocado slices
- Crumbled cotija cheese
- Spicy mayo, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the roast: Place the 4-pound chuck roast in the bottom of the crockpot or a large Dutch oven if using the oven method. Sprinkle the ground ginger and chili flakes evenly over the meat.
- Add aromatics and sauces: Add the sliced shallots, chopped garlic, chopped green onion, and gochujang over the roast. Pour the tamari or soy sauce, ginger juice or rice vinegar, and maple syrup or honey on top.
- Add water and cook: For the crockpot method, pour 3/4 cup of water over the ingredients, cover, and cook on LOW for 5 hours or HIGH for 3 hours. For the oven method, add 1 1/2 cups water, cover, and roast at 325°F for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until the meat is very tender.
- Caramelize (oven method only): After the slow roast in the oven, increase the oven temperature to 425°F, remove the cover, and roast uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to develop a deep caramelized crust.
- Shred the meat: Remove the roast from the cooker and shred it thoroughly using two forks.
- Assemble tacos: Stuff the warmed taco shells with shredded cabbage or lettuce, then add a generous portion of shredded beef. Sprinkle the tacos with toasted sesame seeds and chopped roasted peanuts.
- Add toppings: Garnish each taco with cilantro, additional green onion, avocado slices, and crumbled cotija cheese. Serve immediately with optional spicy mayo on the side for extra flavor.
Notes
- Gochujang is a Korean fermented chili paste that adds a unique spicy-sweet flavor. Adjust the quantity based on your spice preference.
- If you prefer a gluten-free dish, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
- Slow cooking in a crockpot yields more tender meat with less monitoring, while the oven method allows for a caramelized crust.
- Serve with fresh lime wedges for added acidity and brightness.
- Leftover shredded beef can be refrigerated and used for sandwiches or rice bowls.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours (crockpot low) or 3 hours (crockpot high); or 3 hours plus 10 minutes (oven method)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Korean-Mexican Fusion
Keywords: Korean pot roast tacos, gochujang pot roast, crockpot tacos, slow cooker beef tacos, Korean chili paste recipe, fusion tacos

